As a leading pediatric orthopaedic center, TSRHC has treated more than 210,000 children since its inception, with more than 40,000 clinic visits each year. The hospital takes a multidisciplinary approach to care, tailoring treatment to the individual needs of each child and family.

TSRHC is proud of the healing, hope and happiness we have shared with thousands of patients and their families. At TSRHC, every staff member is dedicated to creating a positive hospital experience for our patients – so that they can create their own experiences out in the world.

Within a unique caring environment, patients at TSRHC benefit from a world-renowned medical staff and the promise of a brighter future, through the research and innovation driven by the hospitals five centers of excellence. TSRHC is consistently recognized as one of the premiere pediatric orthopaedic hospitals in the world.

Definitions

Prosthesis - a device that replaces a missing part of the bodyProsthetist - the person who designs and fits your prosthesisProsthetics - the art and science of making prostheses

Fitting a Prosthesis

Staff prosthetists at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children create a custom-made prosthesis for each patient. It takes approximately four to six weeks to complete the first three stages of developing a prosthesis. When required, physical or occupational therapy is provided on site, usually over a period of several weeks.

Prosthetics staff members also work closely with therapists who train patients to use their prostheses in everyday activities. PT or OT is usually required for first-time prosthetic fittings and when a major change in prosthetic design or patient goals requires further training. Patients should bring their most recent prosthesis to each appointment and wear clothes appropriate for being casted or measured.

Stages

Impression/Measurement Stage: Prosthetists make a plaster mold of the child's residual limb that will be fitted.

Test Fitting: The child is fitted with a clear plastic socket.

Alignment: Components such as feet and knees are added. The child is given some initial training and a chance to try out the system. Usually, temporary, adjustable components are used so that changes to the position, height and angle of the prosthesis can be made.

Physical Therapy: The child receives in-depth training on how to use the device, how to gradually apply more weight onto the prosthesis and how to do other routine activities, such as climb stairs.

Delivery: After the child goes through alignment and training, the prosthetic components are attached in a more permanent, durable way. The device is then completed with a cosmetic finish. Each child determines how his or her prosthesis looks. Some are skin-toned and natural looking, some are sporty and brightly colored, while others may not have a cover at all, looking a bit more “high-tech.” These choices reflect the needs and preferences of the person wearing the device.

Follow-up: Because children grow quickly, they are usually seen at least four times per year for adjustments to the prosthesis. On average, prostheses need to be replaced about every 15 months.